Space Warfare in the 21st Century : Arming the Heavens

This book examines the growing threat of space warefare with a specific focus on the recent shift in US space policy. The dual-use nature of the vast majority of space technology, meaning of value to both civilian and military communities, and being unable to differentiate offensive from defensive intent of military hardware makes space an area particularly ripe for a security dilemma. The evolving space capabilities of countries across the world has raised the threat perception within the US military and intelligence communities regarding the vulnerability of US space assets in an environment described as "congested, contested, and competitive." Consequently, the posture of the US military space program is becoming increasingly aggressive toward protection of those assets through a "deter, defend, and defeat" strategy. Though a broad-based view of that strategy has been traditionally encouraged, deterrence by punishment appears increasingly to dominate planning. This book analyzes whether these approaches will be effective or counterproductive, considers the potential consequences of pursuing the wrong course of action, and concludes by offering an alternative approach to addressing space challenges and achieving space goals. This book will be of much interest to students of space policy, defense studies, foreign policy, security studies, and international relations. Book jacket.